Big Sister Comes to Town

Roshelle just came down to good ol' Texas for a visit! It's been a LONG time since she has been down, so it was fun to take her around to some good local hot spots. I can't remember the last time it was just her and I, no husbands, no friends, just the two sisters. It was a great time to catch up, chat, talk, laugh, drink, and even catch a few (or a lot) of rays.

I'll let the pictures do the talking!

Eating some Mexican out on the patio at La Hacienda. Side note, the margaritas are ah-mazing.

Out for a stroll on the riverwalk!

Flowers were in full bloom- it was a gorgeous day!

More riverwalk- we walked roughly 4 miles that day!

Of course we needed to refuel along the way...

Another pit stop to refuel!

The next day I took her to Buc-ees! Remember that place I shared with you earlier? See it HERE.

And, no trip to TX is not successful unless BBQ was devoured. I got her a little but of everything from Rudy's so she could taste it all. It was a pleasant meal out on the patio....until a bird pooped on me. Somehow it got me while sitting UNDER an umbrella. Some of life's great mysteries!

It was a great time with the sister...makes me miss her more! Until next time...

The One & Only: Buc-ee's

Buc-ee's was a name thrown around for a while down here before I stopped someone mid-conversation and asked what in the world it was. They stared at me like I was an Yankee  alien. It is a convenience store. A gas station.

...but not just ANY gas station.

Buc-ee's was founded in 1982 in Texas, and remains in Texas alone. The Buc-ee’s brand became known for providing quality products at reasonable prices and the cheapest ice anywhere (as well as the "best tasting ice" as Texans tell me). They are also very well known for their clean bathrooms. Their bathrooms are not like your average Casey's 3 stall bathroom. This place has ROOMS. Lights are green or red to tell you occupied or not, in addition to the handles telling you "occupied" or "vacant." Full doors, not just stall panels, seperate you and the outsiders. It's a little oasis...complete with pictures and art hanging on the walls (available for purchase!)

Another thing that makes Buc-ee's so unique, is that they do not allow 18-wheelers. Cars/SUV's only.
Think about that one!

So. Why am I talking about this glorified gas station so much? It's something you have to see to believe. The largest Buc-ee's to date opened about 20 minutes north of me just last year. It is the largest convenience store in the world at 67,000 square feet. (about 1 and a half football fields) The store features 60 fuel pumps (120 actual handles), 31 cash registers, 4 Icee machines, 80 pop dispensers, tubing and water gear for the Guadalupe River (HUGE pastime in the summer down here), and a farmer's market that features fruit and produce. I explored...and took pictures like a tourist just so you can see it, too!

The Buc-ee's brand is a Beaver.

HUGEEEEEEEE

An entire wall for all their own products. Everything from trail mix to beef jerky to peach-O's.

Icee Machines!

Large selection of Beer...and at a great price, too!

They have their own "meat market," deli, cafe, fudge shoppe, and bakery. You can order food like in a cafe and they make it for you while you wait (or shop).

Fresh cut brisket, ribs, chicken....just like any other Texas BBQ!

Don't forget all the Buc-ee's Souvenirs! They have EVERYTHING with that little beaver on it!

Bathrooms! The women's has 2 rooms like this, plus 2 other 'hallways' with stalls. SO clean no matter when I stop!

OH! And this particular Buc-ee's has a "Hunting Stuff" room. Camouflage clothes, hats, animal feed, stands, EVERYTHING. Just in case, you know, you need huntin' stuff.

 It really is a site to see. They have everything you can think of, and at a great price. Their gas is the cheapest in town, and people will drive for hundreds of miles just to visit Buc-ee's. Might be a site to see if you ever make it down south of the Texas border!